NWRA Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Inductees
Recognized for Their Contributions to the Waste and Recycling Industry and Association
Arlington, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) announced its Hall of Fame inductees for the Class of 2024. The Hall of Fame inductees were chosen by NWRA’s Board of Trustees from a list of distinguished finalists compiled by the Association’s Awards Committee.
“Induction into the NWRA Hall of Fame is the highest honor we can bestow on a member,” said Don Ross, NWRA chairman. “The women and men in the Hall of Fame have devoted their careers and, in many cases, their lives to our trade association and the solid waste industry. These are exceptional people who are part of the fabric of an industry that provides one of the most essential services to our communities, our businesses and our environment. I am honored to announce the NWRA Hall of Fame Class of 2024.”
This year, three more will join the 212 men and women who have been inducted since 1986. They are Tod Holmes, independent director, WIN Waste Innovations; William Rumpke, Jr., president and CEO, Rumpke Waste & Recycling; and Mike Schwalbach, president and founder, Sierra Container Group.
“The Board of Trustees and the Awards Committee always have a difficult task with so many distinguished nominations submitted to them, and this year was an especially competitive group,” said NWRA Interim President and CEO Jim Riley. “I congratulate the Class of 2024 inductees on this prestigious honor.”
Hall of Fame inductees are selected based on scores in five categories, including recognition in the industry as a founder, pioneer, visionary or icon; enduring legacy and impact of contributions to the industry for a minimum of 25 years; steadfast values such as integrity, respect, courage, mentorship, volunteerism and inclusiveness; inspirational leadership at an NWRA service provider or supplier and on issues important to NWRA at the national, state and/or local level; and active Association engagement and service as an ambassador of the industry.
The 2024 Hall of Fame inductees will be officially recognized at WasteExpo 2024 during the NWRA Awards Breakfast.
About the Inductees
Tod Holmes
With almost 40 years in the waste and recycling industry and 25 years as a chief financial officer (CFO), Tod Holmes wrote the book for what a CFO should be. He set the bar for accounting and financial reporting that is the basis of how the industry works today. After retiring from Republic Services, Holmes continued to participate in the industry both as an owner and investor in small waste companies in his own right and through independent directorships with private equity-backed businesses. He is still active in the Environmental Research & Education Foundation as a donor and sponsor in a personal capacity. He regularly attends NWRA conferences and exhibitions where his time is in high demand by many who seek out his advice and opinions on a regular basis and is frequently seen on the floor of the NWRA Awards Breakfast supporting the efforts of the industry to recognize excellence in others.
William Rumpke, Jr.
After a full career working his way up from laborer to management and a 12-year tenure as chief operating officer, Bill Rumpke Jr. became president and CEO of Rumpke Waste & Recycling in 2014. With him at the helm, Rumpke has surpassed 90 years as a family-owned firm as well as the successful transition to third and fourth generation private ownership and management. The company employs more than 4,000 people and services more than 1.9 million customer accounts across five states. Rumpke is ranked 11th among all waste and recycling firms in the country.
His strategic initiatives have driven significant growth, including 70-plus acquisitions, development of landfill gas recovery systems providing energy for 70,000 homes, a fleet of green trucks and investments in recycling technology including construction of North America’s largest materials recovery facility, which is set to open later this year. Rumpke’s revenue surpassed $1.045 billion in 2022, reflecting his commitment to excellence and innovation.
Mike Schwalbach
Mike Schwalbach is currently the president and founder of Sierra Container Group. Schwalbach’s innovative spirit, engineering experience and problem-solving approach led to the creation of various products, technologies and services that have become integral to the waste and recycling industry. In addition to his product innovations, he played a vital role in setting industry standards. Schwalbach remains an active member of the Z245 Standards Committee.
###
ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.
Contact
Brandon Wright
National Waste & Recycling Association
bwright@wasterecycling.org
202-364-3706
